Estabrook's Newsletter - Issue #240

Issue #240 - January 14, 2010

The Herbie Project

Herbie

Right down the street from Estabrook's in Yarmouth is New England's largest American Elm Tree, known affectionately since the 1950s as "Herbie".

After decades of diligent effort by volunteer Tree Wardens Frank Knight and Deb Hopkins, Herbie is finally succumbing to Dutch Elm Disease and will be removed this Monday, January 18th.

To preserve the legacy of this magnificent elm, The Herbie Project has been founded with a goal is to raise funds to aid in the immense task of safely removing Herbie and also to establish a Tree Trust in his honor.

What is a Tree Trust?

A Tree Trust is an investment in Yarmouth's quality of place. The large, broad-leaved trees lining the streets of Yarmouth need care and eventual replacement. The cost associated with these activities is considerable, but the benefits of street trees more than justify the expense.

You Can Help!

The Town of Yarmouth is asking for donations from citizens, businesses and friends of Herbie to help fund his removal and replacement but especially to create a Yarmouth Tree Trust. Your contribution will ensure that Yarmouth will remain green and beautiful for the future.

In addition, Herbie t-shirts are available from Yarmouth Community Services and wooden products such as ornaments, bookmarks and cutting boards made from authentic Herbie American Elm wood will be for sale tentatively starting on March 1st.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit the Yarmouth Community Services website.

Herbie Media Coverage

The story of Herbie has been recently covered by some of the biggest media outlets in the world: